House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 54% of the vote.
Health Care October 21st, 1994
Mr. Speaker, first, the security centre responds not to me but to the Minister of National Defence. Second, with respect to CSIS I have ensured that the Security Intelligence Review Committee and the Inspector General as mandated by Parliament are in fact doing their work.
In light of that answer I will leave the blah blah blah to the leader of the Reform Party.
Business Of The House October 20th, 1994
Madam Speaker, I would now like to present to this House the weekly business statement.
This afternoon the House will continue its consideration of Bill C-54 respecting the Canada Pension Plan and the Old Age Security Act. If this is completed the House will revert to consideration of the departmental reorganization bills: C-46, industry; C-52, government services; and C-53, Canadian heritage. We will follow that with report stage and third reading of Bill C-36 regarding the Split Lake agreement.
Tomorrow the House will begin second reading of Bill C-55 regarding Yukon surface rights. If this is completed the House will return to the same back-up list I have set for today.
On Monday next the House will resume the debate on social security reform.
Also, I am hereby allotting Tuesday as an opposition day.
On Wednesday the House will resume its consideration of those uncompleted items I have already mentioned.
This completes my statement, Madam Speaker.
Dangerous Offenders October 20th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I understand the hon. member's concern. Like her, I do not want to see risk created by such absences for anyone. My understanding of the legal position is not the same as the hon. member's.
I again repeat to her that this individual will be out for a couple of hours in shackles and under the escort of two uniformed guards. I hope the hon. member on reflection will again be willing to consider that the risk is under control.
Dangerous Offenders October 20th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, this temporary absence is being made on the decision of the head of the institution, on the recommendation of the National Parole Board.
I am informed the prisoner will be out for a two hour visit in shackles and leg irons, escorted by two guards. I hope the hon. member will agree that the risk is under control.
Correctional Service Canada October 20th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I have asked for an immediate, thorough investigation into the matter. In light of the investigation I will take all necessary steps to deal with any problems that are identified.
Correctional Service Canada October 20th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, there is a correctional service investigation under way into the circumstances of the escape. I am asking for a report on the classification of the prisoner who I understand has been in a medium security institution since about 1986.
Canadian Security Intelligence Service October 19th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I do not concede that CSIS holds information on the Reform Party, but I would be prepared to provide any and all information as I am entitled to do under the law passed by Parliament.
Canadian Security Intelligence Service October 19th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, as far as I am aware political parties do not have access to information gathered by CSIS and the CSIS act is very clear on what that body can and cannot do.
I think the hon. member knows as well as I do that this information is not available to political parties, even though the allegations and questions relate to a period of time before this party formed the government.
Canadian Security Intelligence Service October 19th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I understand the Security Intelligence Review Committee has a full time staff and is capable of hiring additional staff to work full time on inquiries like this one.
I understand this is what has happened. People have been hired to work along with the full time staff. I suggest to the hon. member that he await the completion of its work before passing judgment. That is the fair thing to do.
Canadian Security Intelligence Service October 19th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, the Security Intelligence Review Committee has been created by Parliament in legislation passed by it to be independent of CSIS, of the government and of the Solicitor General.
Therefore I do not think it is for me to comment on how the committee does its work. The committee can take note of the hon. member's question and I look forward to receiving its report at the earliest possible date.